Guardianship

Guardianship is a legal proceeding in which a guardian is appointed by the courts to exercise the legal rights of an incapacitated person - called a ward.

A guardian is given authority over the ward's property and person. They are entrusted to invest the assets prudently and use them for the ward's, health, support and maintenance. This is done with the court's supervision and the guardian must account for all financial transactions by filing detailed annual accountings with the court, as well as, an annual detailed plan for the ward's care. In addition, guardians are usually required to post a bond and complete a court ordered training program.

Any adult resident of Florida can serve as a guardian, as well as, a close relative of the ward who lives out of state. Bank trust departments, nonprofit religious or charitable corporations or a public guardian can also be appointed, however a bank trust department can only serve as a guardian of the ward's property. Guardians must also be represented by an attorney who will serve as "attorney of record".